Yankees could upgrade bullpen after reliever surprisingly placed on waivers

The New York Yankees could address a major shortage in their bullpen after a veteran reliever was surprisingly placed on waivers.

As MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported Monday night, the Chicago Cubs have made left-hander Drew Smyly available via the waiver wire.

This decision by Chicago is somewhat surprising, as Smyly is having a good season with a 2.84 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 43 strikeouts in 50.1 innings.

The 35-year-old was a starting pitcher for most of his 11-year major league career, but the Cubs used him exclusively as a relief pitcher in 2024, where he has had success.

The Yankees currently have two lefties in their bullpen, Tim Hill and Tim Mayza, but they could use an additional left-handed pitcher. And that’s where Smyly would fit in.

Smyly can also serve as another setup man option, as he has a 1.69 ERA in 11 appearances (10.2 innings) in the eighth inning this year.

The Cubs have not designated Smyly to a permanent assignment, so he could still play for Chicago unless he is claimed by another team in the next two days.

If the Yankees ultimately claim him, it would be a significant expense, as he still has $1.9 million in salary remaining, plus a $2.5 million buyout fee in the offseason if his $10 million mutual option is not exercised.

That said, the Yankees’ bullpen is a big question mark heading into October. Adding a veteran left-handed pitcher like Smyly would bolster this unit for the playoffs.